Mexico have endured their first group stage knockout from the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 44 years, but it isn’t a surprise considering the performance.
It will be fair to say that Mexico were not bad at all, but it will also be fair to say that they were never too convincing either. They did well against a poor Poland side but not getting a win from that cost them and while the margins around yellow cards were slim, they didn’t do anything of note against Argentina.
Most impressive performer: Luis Chavez’ goal on Wednesday could well be the goal of the tournament, but the Pachuca star did put in some good performances even otherwise across the tournament. He was a key creative spark, playing 3.3 key passes per game and was always keen to take players on as well. If not for him, Mexico would have looked like a dull unit.
Biggest disappointment: Throughout the three games, Mexico were often buoyed by a resilient defence and they lacked attacking verve and the final ball to create more chances and potentially score. That aspect was missing from their play against Argentina and against Poland, against whom they were the better team.
Grade: D – The knockout will go down as a national disaster, considering the nation’s history in the tournament.
GWFN
